The third days play of the second test being played at Colombo was a day of landmarks and one which brought mixed fortunes for two of Indias premier batsmen in the longer version of the game.

While Sehwag was unfortunate to miss out on a century and Sachin got there, the end result shows both of them have missed out on what could have been a few historic landmarks.  While critics would be eager to question Sehwag's wisdom at going for a six on 99, Sehwag cannot be faulted  because that is how he plays and on majority of the occasions he comes out the winner.  On many times in the past he has got to double centuries and triple centuries with a six and as once Sehwag got out at 195 against Australia in Melbourne, trying for a six and missing out on a double hundred, Sehwag confessed he did not have any regrets as he is more happy on getting 195 and he would not mind hitting a six if he is good enough to reach 195 everytime. Had Sehwag got on to his century yesterday that would have been his fourth consecutive century in consecutive matches and would have been on course to match Don Badman's world record of 6 consecutive hundreds in consecutive matches achieved in 1937-1938.

Sachin though made the most of his golden run but he too would rue the fact that he missed out on a possible hundred at Galle falling leg before to yet another controversial bowler, slinger Malinga and had Sachin got a hundred at Galle his century yesterday would have been his sixth consecutive one and would have placed the world record which Don Bradman set 82 years ago. Sachin still can be happy with the fact that he has now reeled 7 consecutive fifties whileSehwag who idolizes the master has done better on half centuries count reeling 9 of them in consecutive tests.

While the whole of India can be proud of the fact that master blaster Sachin Tendulkar is closing on a century of centuries in international cricket and praying for a little bit of luck to get to that magical milestone, Indians are far from being considered safe in the Test Match.  Sachin needs to continue from where he left yesterday and ensure that he stays at the wicket atleast till the follow on is averted.  While India needed only 61 runs to avert the follow on in terms of balance runs to be scored, 443 runs as a figure looks huge and Indian batting has on many a occasions in the past Indian batting has looked fragile whenever Sachin has fell few runs before the target and the perfect example is Galle Test wherein not only Sachin's dismissal not only cost him a ton, but India a possible draw as well.

As there is no pressure on Indian batsmen to take risks as a draw or a Sri Lankan is the only possible result, Sachin Tendulkar should make use of this golden opportunity too get a big ton, possibly a double hundred or may be a triple which he deserves considering the tremendous contribution he made to Indian and world cricket.

Let us pray for Sachin Tendulkar, the God of Cricket.

• Written by N R SATISH.
• In category Cricket.
• 14 years ago.

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